My Ideal Guy

I still remember the day I met you.
It was nothing and not that special too.
I was not interested and not fond,
And never ever thought of being bound.

As time passed, we came to know each other.
Shared thoughts, dreams, secrets and also desires.
Then we started to laugh at our jokes,
And listened to our problems, fears and hopes.

I saw more of you with each passing day.
And discovered that you are not that gay.
That you love to read J.K. Rowling's books,
And your sight, without glasses, will get crooked.

Without noticing much, I fell for you.
It may be unexpected, but it's true.
I don't have much choice but to tell you this.
So I sent you many cards with one wish.

After that, I was confused and worried.
Didn't know what'll the outcome of my deed.
Because of this stupid thing I did,
I have jeopardized our precious friendship.

I was hoping for something negative,
'Coz I'm thinking that you're young and naive.
I was expecting from you to say "no".
But you have answered me with "I don't know".

I didn't rise my hopes with such answer.
Instead, I'm thankful that you're still there.
You didn't change a bit, still the same.
The only Ahmad, who in my life, came.

I still can't believe what happened that day.
On the third day of June, if I may say.
When I received the letter and read it,
He had confessed everything bit by bit.

It was like a dream come true on my part,
'Coz I look up on him from the start.
To me, he's an unreachable star.
A dream boy who is away and so far.

He is a perfect and ideal guy.
Intelligent, religious, but he's shy.
He is a book lover and have hooked nose,
And wears frame less eyeglasses, I suppose.

It's very difficult to put in words,
When you are feeling unsure and absurd.
But I'm certain that this poem is enough
To express my feelings to my true love.

:)

Learning Experience

Activity: Fecalysis
Date Performed: October 21, 2009

This activity was one of the most exciting activities we had done in our Biology class. Why? One thing is that it involved feces (ewww) and another thing is that we made a fecal smear and examined it as if we were really Medical Technologists. It is really one of the best laboratory activities ever!

After gathering all the necessary materials like the microscope, glass slide and the Normal Saline Solution (NSS), the most important specimen was placed at the center of the table. Jzer brought it which was according to him was his sister’s feces. When Sir Danda opened the container, the smell of the feces penetrated our olfactory senses. One of the most important things to remember is that feces are naturally smelly! Then Sir Danda showed us how to make a smear by dipping a toothpick in all corners of the feces in the container and spreading it in circular motion in the glass slide with a drop of NSS. One thing to remember is that the smear should only have a thin surface to be able to view it clearly under the microscope. Then after making the smear, he placed in under the LPO (10x) and started viewing it. After sometime, he let us view the specimen and we saw different things. There were granule-like substances in circular shape and some fibers were also visible. There were also clumps of granules which Sir Danda said were undigested food. One of our objectives was to see even a single egg that is why we were a bit disappointed at first because we didn’t see any egg of parasite. But after some minutes of constant scrutiny, Sir Danda was able to detect an egg. It was a red oval-shaped egg which Sir Danda said was the egg of Trichuris trichuria (Tt). Of course, we were thrilled to know that there are eggs of parasite in the feces! Our objective was met! Success! The secret behind that is that you should just be meticulous and patient in looking at the specimen. Right?

After the activity, we threw the glass slide and disinfected the working table. This is to make sure that the table is clean and safe from bacteria. Then we returned the microscope in the stock room.

WHERE WILL I BE FROM HERE?

Where? I have no idea too. It really is a difficult question to answer because we never know what the future has for us. But for the sake of answering the question, I might as well assume where I desire to be from here.

In my worldly pursuit, I only desire, inshaAllah (if Allah wills) , to go to Mecca to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam, which is Hajj (pilgrimage). It might have no connect with what I am studying now but that is the only answer I can give. In this world, that would be the most desirable place to go. After studying and passing the board exam, and if I have a job already, I will save money to be able to fulfill my dream. And inshaAllah, I’ll go to Mecca

Talking religiously,

my utmost desire would be to go to al-Jannah (Paradise)

, inshaAllah Ameen. It is a bit difficult to explain through words because my desire to go to this place is indescribable. I don’t know how to start or what to say. I think I’ll say end it this way.


Raissa T. Guldam
BSMT-1A
10-27-09

WHY AM I HERE?

Surprisingly, I also asked myself this question. I also wonder why I am here. But it is hard to find the right words to explain my being here. But oh well, I need to answer this and I’ll just try my best.

First thing that my mind will come up when being asked this question is that everyone goes to college. I mean, it’s a normal trend or shall I say a requirement. It is a requirement so that in the future, if God wills, you’ll have a decent and good job. But when I’m feeling lazy, my answer for this would be, we go to college to gain more knowledge, just that.

For less indolent days, I would answer this question more deeply. My answer for this question was just recently realized and I bet many people would disagree with me. But it’s my idea and no one can prevent me from saying it. Honestly, I think one of the reason why I am here in college is to satisfy what other people wants for me.

Candidly, I would love and choose to study about Islam than be here in college.

Why? Simply, because it is more important for a Muslim like me. But because my parents, my uncles, my aunts and everyone I know expect me to be a doctor someday, so here I am, flapping my wings in the face of college. But I didn’t say that I don’t want to be in college. What I said is just that I prefer to study Islam than be here. Although there is the desire in me that I also want to finish a degree, but my thirst for knowledge in Islam is too much. That’s why I motivate myself that I just need to finish one degree and maybe, if God wills, I can start my in-depth study on Islam. Of course, I am thankful to God that I have this opportunity to study in college that’s why I will really do my best. I also want to repay everything my parents had done for me by presenting them my diploma and license. I also keep in my heart that whatever I do, just like this studying in college, it’s for God’s sake and nothing more. I don’t have the thinking that I go to college because I want to be rich someday, or I want to be famous, but because whatever I get from studying, I’ll be able to use it for good deeds in my everyday life.


Raissa T. Guldam
BSMT-1A
10-27-09

WHO AM I?

For sixteen years of living in this world, this “who am I?” question always end up with diffident answers. But as for now, as how I have assessed myself, maybe I can try my best shot in answering this. I may not be so sure about my answers and maybe you will not agree with some, but well, that is the best that I can do.

Typically, when I asked myself of this question, I automatically and jestingly answer it by saying my name. I tell myself that I am Raissa Guldam, no more. But in different mood and environment, when I will ask myself of this question, I might have a different answer or maybe several answers. But it depends upon my mood.

Generally, my full name is Raissa Tutanes Guldam. My biological parents are Mr. And Mrs. Rubi K. Guldam and my brothers are called Ashraf, 19 and Nizar, 12. I am the second child and only girl among the siblings that is why I think of myself as someone special in the family. I don’t have the most perfect relationship with my brothers but we get along well most of the time. My dad and I used to be close when I was a little girl but since I entered high school, the closeness drifted. Although we still talk a lot, but not the way we used to be when I was little which sometimes made me think that we never really got close. Or maybe time really changes people. But I surely do love them all for Allah’s sake.

When I was a little girl, I had fantasized of meeting my Prince Charming, of living in a lofty mansion, and all those sorts of dreams. I thought I can get whatever I want in just a snap, just like what I see in the movies. But of course, I was wrong. When my thinking was matured enough, I came to know what the real world is. That it is not possible to achieve something without exerting any effort. If you really desire this thing, you have to take the risk of pursuing it, taking the risk of failure or success. That there is no real Prince Charming or the so-called knight in shining armour who will save you in times of need. Maybe there will be some who will help you but not your Prince Charming. That a lofty mansion and luxury is not the key to happiness and tranquility. That this world is just a temporary place and we should not be blinded by its beauty hence, we should desire for that permanent place, Paradise. And that whatever happened and will happen to you, may it be bad or good, it was/is God’s will and it was/is what’s best for you. You just need to be patient and trust God for He is the All-Knowing. So many important lessons I have learned from my life experiences and day to day encounter with different people, which I’m sure, shaped and fashioned my character.

They said that I am a capricious and stubborn girl. Yes, I agree. Capriciousness is I think a common trait for a woman that’s why I really don’t bother myself in eradicating it. Stubbornness is another thing because it’s not a good trait. I don’t know why but I really go against anything that does not suit my personal thinking. I sometimes become unreasonable and close-minded due to my stubbornness that’s why for me, it is a dangerous trait. Another thing is that I am 101% lazy. Yes, you read it right. LAZY. SLOTH. It is a known fact in our home that’s why whenever they asked me to do something, I always remind them that I am a lazy person and that they should not rely with me. It’s a lousy excuse though. That’s why my dad used to talk to me about my slothfulness and I just nod at him. I don’t know why but I think my laziness is a genetic trait. What am I trying to imply here? Never mind. Anyhow, I am trying my best to improve myself from this genetic trait and I think I’m currently doing progress in it. But it all still depends on my mood. So you see, my mood plays a big role in this. My mood and slothfulness sometimes goes hand in hand. Whenever I’m not in my mood, I become lazy and whenever I am feeling lazy, then it means that I’m not in my mood. Just that! Simple.

As of now, I’m really running out of words. I know I haven’t properly described what I am but I hope you get the gist of it. I am not really good at explaining myself especially in limited papers. I will need right time and space for everything. And of course, it will still depend on my mood. But what I am more concern now is about the conclusion. Once I took a path, I sometimes lost my way due to distractions. And this is what I really hate and always try to avoid. I should be walking a straight path but due to beguilement, I sometimes take the long way, with winding path. That’s why I always pray to God to guide me on the Straight Path and to protect me from distractions. So now you see, eh? I talk of something and might end up with different thing. Well, that’s also me. I hope you get what I mean. Finally, they say that your ideas are your best reflectors that’s why through this paper, I hope, someone might understand even a piece of my life.

Raissa T. Guldam
BSMT-1A
10-27-09

The Continuously Growing Seed

When a seed is planted in a good soil with ample watering for sustenance, it will surely grow and produce fruits. But growth will not stop with the production of fruits. The seed, now a plant will continue to grow proximally and laterally and produce more fruits until it produces seeds from its fruits and propagate more. The growth of the plant is continuous. This is the growth of Zamboanga A.E. Colleges, now Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ).

Sixty-one years ago, a young man from Marikina came to Zamboanga City and dreamed of a school that provides affordable education for the underprivileged. He wanted a school that would exemplify the ideals and aspirations of the youth, live up to the expectations of the people of a school for everybody, regardless of social standing, religion and political affiliations, and the one that imparts a higher level of understanding to its students, inculcate ideals which will enable them to be successful in their professional and personal endeavour later on in life. Because of this dream, Engineer Arturo Francisco Eustaquio Sr. founded Zamboanga Arturo Eustaquio Colleges (ZAEC) on October 12, 1948.

Engineer Eustaquio Sr., more known as “The Founder”, wanted his school to cater the educational need of everyone. That is why from The Founder to the present Chief Executive Officer (CEO), he passed the legacy “education for all”. And along with this legacy, Zamboanga A.E. Colleges started in the strategy of “study-now-pay-later” which made Zamboanga A.E. Colleges known as the school for everyone.

For the past sixty-one years, Zamboanga A.E. Colleges now Universidad de Zamboanga was able to produced thousands of graduates who now have their own livelihoods and works, outstanding positions in big companies, and high-paid jobs here and in abroad. Known political figures who are alumni of Zamboanga A.E. Colleges are Mayor Celso Lobregat and the late former Mayor Vitaliano Agan. They are the alumni who surely had contributed to the advancement and improvement of the society in terms of education, agriculture, medicine, engineering, technology, criminology and commerce. These people are the proofs of the quality education which Zamboanga A.E. Colleges provides.

Through the management of the present CEO, his son, Dr. Arturo F. Eustaquio III, not only just Zamboanga A.E. Colleges became Universidad de Zamboanga but there were still more achievements. Universidad de Zamboanga has now eight campuses namely the Main Campus in Tetuan, the City Campus located in the city proper, the Cabatangan Campus, the Pasonanca Campus, the Veterans Avenue Campus, the UZ Community Medical Center in San Jose Road, the Canelar Campus and the Ipil Campus in the municipality of Ipil. Also, the construction of the Summit Centre was made possible.

Universidad de Zamboanga has also the title of the first internet provider in the whole region and the leading Information Technology Education Provider. Not only had that Universidad de Zamboanga produced board topnotchers but had already set the trend. Most graduates of Universidad de Zamboanga not only passed the board exam but made it to the top especially in the School Allied Medicine (SAM).

In continuing The Founder’s legacy of “education for all”, Universidad de Zamboanga has many offered scholarships for deserving students and still has the lowest tuition fee compared to the other private institution in the city. This is to prove the school’s commitment of providing quality education for everyone even in a not-so-expensive way.

Universidad de Zamboanga has improved many lives through academic excellence by providing quality education for all. We still and will always say that Universidad de Zamboanga is still the best school in town!

Amazing Race ‘09

As part of the 7th year anniversary of the School of Allied Medicine (SAM), an amazing race was conducted last September 5, 2009 at the UZ Main Campus. The race had two categories, first category for the students of SAM and the second category for the faculty of SAM. The first category was composed of five groups, from five different departments (Nursing, MedTech, RadTech, Respi and Pharma) with six members each. Unfortunately, there were no participants from the RadTech Department which led to two groups from Pharmacy Department since they have extra players and which we differentiated as the Old group and the Young group. The second category was also composed of five groups (Nursing Faculty, MedTech Faculty, Respi Faculty, Pharma Faculty together with RadTech Faculty and SSC Officers).

As the race begun, the participants excitingly hustled around the campus searching for each station of the ten stations according to the clues given to them and to accomplish each tasked before the time runs out. At the end of the race, winners were declared according to their recorded time and scores. For the first category, the MedTech group bagged the first place followed by the Nursing group as the second placer, then the Pharma Young group, the Respi group and the Pharma Old group as third, fourth and fifth placer, respectively. For the second category, the Nursing Faculty emerged as the first placer succeeded by the Respi Faculty, and then the MedTech Faculty, the SSC Officers and the combined Pharma and RadTech Faculty as third, fourth and fifth placer, respectively.

Making The Most Of The Blessed Days Of Dhul-Hijjah and its Virtues - Must Read!

As-salaamu alaykum wa’rahmatullahi wa’barakatuh

Dhul-Hijjah is less than 2 days away, let us spend the remaining days to plan our ibadaah for these blessed days that are about to approach us.

Inshaa Allah, November 18 ( Next Wednesday ) will be the first day of the Hijri month of “Dhul Hijjah”


Virtues of the Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah


The first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah:

Days of virtue and righteous deeds

Praise be to Allaah Who has created Time and has made some times better than others, some months and days and nights better than others, when rewards are multiplied many times, as a mercy towards His slaves. This encourages them to do more righteous deeds and makes them more eager to worship Him, so that the Muslim renews his efforts to gain a greater share of reward, prepare himself for death and supply himself in readiness for the Day of Judgement.

This season of worship brings many benefits, such as the opportunity to correct one’s faults and make up for any shortcomings or anything that one might have missed. Every one of these special occasions involves some kind of worship through which the slaves may draw closer to Allaah, and some kind of blessing though which Allaah bestows His favour and mercy upon whomsoever He will. The happy person is the one who makes the most of these special months, days and hours and draws nearer to his Lord during these times through acts of worship; he will most likely be touched by the blessing of Allaah and will feel the joy of knowing that he is safe from the flames of Hell. (Ibn Rajab, al-Lataa’if, p.8)

The Muslim must understand the value of his life, increase his worship of Allaah and persist in doing good deeds until the moment of death. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty." [al-Hijr 15:99] The mufassireen (commentators) said: "‘The certainty’ means death."

Among the special seasons of worship are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, which Allaah has preferred over all the other days of the year. Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?" He said, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2/457).

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) also reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There is no deed more precious in the sight of Allaah, nor greater in reward, than a good deed done during the ten days of Sacrifice." He was asked, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?" He said, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." (Reported by al-Daarimi, 1/357; its isnaad is hasan as stated in al-Irwaa’, 3/398).

These texts and others indicate that these ten days are better than all the other days of the year, with no exceptions, not even the last ten days of Ramadaan. But the last ten nights of Ramadaan are better, because they include Laylat al-Qadr ("the Night of Power"), which is better than a thousand months. Thus the various reports may be reconciled. (See Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 5/412).

You should know, my brothers in Islaam, that the virtue of these ten days is based on many things:

Allaah swears an oath by them, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "By the dawn; by the ten nights" [al-Fajr 89:1-2]. Ibn ‘Abbaas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujaahid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Ibn Katheer said: "This is the correct opinion." (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 8/413)

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) testified that these are the best days of this world, as we have already quoted above from Saheeh ahaadeeth.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) encouraged people to do righteous deeds because of the virtue of this season for people throughout the world, and also because of the virtue of the place - for the Hujjaaj (pilgrims) to the Sacred House of Allaah.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded us to recite a lot of Tasbeeh ("Subhan-Allaah"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah") and Takbeer ("Allaahu akbar") during this time. ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There are no days greater in the sight of Allaah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel ("La ilaaha ill-Allaah"), Takbeer and Tahmeed." (Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh).

These ten days include Yawm ‘Arafaah (the Day of ‘Arafaah), on which Allaah perfected His Religion. Fasting on this day will expiate for the sins of two years. These days also include Yawm al-Nahar (the Day of Sacrifice), the greatest day of the entire year and the greatest day of Hajj, which combines acts of worship in a way unlike any other day.

These ten days include the days of sacrifice and of Hajj.


Question: What must the Muslim avoid during these ten days if he wants to offer a sacrifice?

# The Sunnah indicates that the one who wants to offer a sacrifice must stop cutting his hair and nails and removing anything from his skin, from the beginning of the ten days until after he has offered his sacrifice, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "When you see the new moon of Dhu’l-Hijjah, if any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, then he should stop cutting his hair and nails until he has offered his sacrifice." According to another report he said: "He should not remove (literally, touch) anything from his hair or skin." (reported by Muslim with four isnaads, 13/146)

# The Prophet’s instruction here makes one thing obligatory and his prohibition makes another haraam, according to the soundest opinion, because these commands and prohibitions are unconditional and unavoidable. However, if a person does any of these things deliberately, he must seek Allaah’s forgiveness but is not required to offer (an extra) sacrifice in expiation; his sacrifice will be acceptable. Whoever needs to remove some hair, nails, etc. because it is harming him, such as having a broken nail or a wound in a site where there is hair, should do so, and there is nothing wrong with that. The state of ihraam is so important that it is permitted to cut one’s hair if leaving it will cause harm. There is nothing wrong with men or women washing their heads during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) only forbade cutting the hair, not washing it.

# The wisdom behind this prohibition of the one who wants to offer a sacrifice from cutting his hair etc., is so that he may resemble those in ihraam in some aspects of the rituals performed, and so that he may draw closer to Allaah by offering the sacrifice. So he leaves his hair and nails alone until the time when he has offered his sacrifice, in the hope that Allaah will save him in his entirety from the Fire. And Allaah knows best.

# If a person has cut his hair or nails during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah because he was not planning to offer a sacrifice, then he decides later, during the ten days, to offer a sacrifice, then he must refrain from cutting his hair and nails from the moment he makes this decision.

# Some women may delegate their brothers or sons to make the sacrifice on their behalf, then cut their hair during these ten days. This is not correct, because the ruling applies to the one who is offering the sacrifice, whether or not he (or she) delegates someone else to carry out the actual deed. The prohibition does not apply to the person delegated, only to the person who is making the sacrifice, as is indicated in the hadeeth. The person who is sacrificing on behalf of someone else, for whatever reason, does not have to adhere to this prohibition.

# This prohibition appears to apply only to the one who is offering the sacrifice, not to his wife and children, unless any of them is offering a sacrifice in his or her own right, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to sacrifice "on behalf of the family of Muhammad," but there are no reports that say he forbade them to cut their hair or nails at that time.

# If a person was planning to offer a sacrifice, then he decides to go and perform Hajj, he should not cut his hair or nails if he wants to enter ihraam, because the Sunnah is only to cut hair and nails when necessary. But if he is performing Tamattu’ [whereby he performs ‘Umrah, comes out of ihraam and enters ihraam anew for Hajj], he should trim his hair at the end of his ‘Umrah because this is part of the ritual.

# The things that are described above as being prohibited for the person who is planning to offer a sacrifice are reported in the hadeeth quoted above; the person is not forbidden to wear perfume, have marital relations, wear sewn garments, etc.

Concerning the types of worship to be performed during these ten days: one must understand that these days are a great blessing from Allaah to His slave, which is appreciated properly by the actively righteous. It is the Muslim’s duty to appreciate this blessing and make the most of the opportunity, by devoting these ten days to paying more attention to striving hard in worship. Among His blessings to His slaves, Allaah has given us many ways in which to do good and worship Him, so that the Muslim may be constantly active and consistent in his worship of his Lord.

Among the good deeds which the Muslim should strive to do during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah are:

1) Fasting:

It is Sunnah to fast on the ninth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) urged us to do good deeds during this time, and fasting is one of the best of deeds. Allaah has chosen fasting for Himself, as is stated in the hadeeth qudsi: "Allaah says: ‘All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except for fasting, which is for Me and I am the One Who will reward him for it.’" (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 1805).

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Hunaydah ibn Khaalid reported from his wife that some of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu’l-Hijjah, on the day of ‘Aashooraa’, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month." (Reported by al-Nisaa’i, 4/205 and by Abu Dawud; classified by al-Albaani as saheeh in Saheeh Abi Dawud, 2/462).

2) Reciting Tahmeed, Tahleel and Takbeer a great deal:

It is Sunnah to say Takbeer ("Allaahu akbar"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah"), Tahleel ("La ilaha ill-Allaah") and Tasbeeh("Subhaan Allaah") during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, and to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allaah and mention His name out loud, as an act of worship and as a proclamation of the greatness of Allaah, may He be exalted.

Men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite them quietly.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"That they might witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e., reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade, etc.), and mention the name of Allaah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)..." [al-Hajj 22:28]

The majority of scholars agree that the "appointed days" are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because of the words of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father): "The ‘appointed days’ are the first ten days (of Dhu’l-Hijjah)."

The Takbeer may include the words "Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, la ilaaha ill-Allaah; wa Allaahu akbar wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god but Allaah; Allaah is Most Great and to Allaah be praise)," as well as other phrases.

Takbeer at this time is an aspect of the Sunnah that has been forgotten, especially during the early part of this period, so much so that one hardly ever hears Takbeer, except from a few people. This Takbeer should be pronounced loudly, in order to revive the Sunnah and as a reminder to the negligent. There is sound evidence that Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with them) used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them. The idea behind reminding the people to recite Takbeer is that each one should recite it individually, not in unison, as there is no basis in Sharee’ah for doing this.

Reviving aspects of the Sunnah that have been virtually forgotten is a deed that will bring an immense reward, as is indicated by the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward." (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 7/443; this is a hasan hadeeth because of corroborating asaaneed).


3) Performing Hajj and ‘Umrah.

One of the best deeds that one can do during these ten days is to perform Hajj to the Sacred House of Allaah. The one whom Allaah helps to go on Hajj to His House and to perform all the rituals properly is included in the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him):"An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise."

Doing more good deeds in general, because good deeds are beloved by Allaah and will bring a great reward from Him. Whoever is not able to go to Hajj should occupy himself at this blessed time by worshipping Allaah, praying (salaat), reading Qur’an, remembering Allaah, making supplication (du’aa’), giving charity, honouring his parents, upholding the ties of kinship, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and other good deeds and acts of worship.


4) Udhiyah (Sacrifice)

One of the good deeds that will bring a person closer to Allaah during these ten days is offering a sacrifice, by choosing a high-quality animal and fattening it, spending money for the sake of Allaah. (more information to follow, in sha Allaah).

5) Sincere Repentance

One of the most important things to do during these ten days is to repent sincerely to Allaah and to give up all kinds of disobedience and sin. Repentance means coming back to Allaah and foregoing all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes, out of regret for what has passed, giving it up immediately and being determined never to return to it, but to adhere firmly to the Truth by doing what Allaah loves.
If a Muslim commits a sin, he must hasten to repent at once, without delay, firstly because he does not know when he will die, and secondly because one evil deed leads to another.

Repentance at special times is very important because in most cases people’s thoughts turn towards worship at these times, and they are keen to do good, which leads to them recognizing their sins and feeling regret for the past. Repentance is obligatory at all times, but when the Muslim combines sincere repentance with good deeds during the days of most virtue, this is a sign of success, in sha Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful." [al-Qasas 28:67]

The Muslim should make sure that he does not miss any of these important occasion, because time is passing quickly. Let him prepare himself by doing good deeds which will bring him reward when he is most in need of it, for no matter how much reward he earns, he will find it is less than he needs; the time of departure is at hand, the journey is frightening, delusions are widespread, and the road is long, but Allaah is ever watchful, and to Him will we return and render account. As the Qur’aan says (interpretation of the meaning):

"So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it,

And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it."

[al-Zalzalah 99:7-8]

There is much to be gained, so make the most of the opportunity afforded by these invaluable and irreplaceable ten days. Hasten to do good works, before death strikes, before one can regret one’s negligence and failure to act, before one is asked to return to a place where no prayers will be answered, before death intervenes between the hopeful one and the things he hopes for, before you are trapped with your deeds in the grave.

O you whose hard heart is as dark as the night, is it not time that your heart was filled with light and became soft? Expose yourself to the gentle breeze of your Lord’s mercy during these ten days, for Allaah will cause this breeze to touch whomever He wills, and whoever is touched by it will be happy on the Day of Judgement. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and all his Family and Companions.

Let us hasten to make the most of these great days, before the negligent regrets what he did, and before he asks to go back and receives no response.


Written by Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid


http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/notes/i-love-allah/making-the-most-of-the-blessed-days-of-dhul-hijjah-and-its-virtues-must-read/178241657962

Crazy thoughts on Brokenheartedness

What does it feel to be brokenhearted? Too painful, isn't it?

Now, why on earth am I writing about this. I'm not brokenhearted right now. Just a little anxious and weary.

But what are the different ways of getting a brokenheart?

[A normal person tends to count ways on how to avoid a brokenheart. I knew it! I'm really crazy. I just hope no one will read this blog. This should be called a crazy blog. My other blog served as my personal diary while this one became an outlet of my spontaneous crazy thoughts. Poor person who will spend his/her time reading this. I just can't imagine. Sigh!]

1. How does it feel to love someone who doesn't love you back?

--It's very stressful! I've felt it! Loving someone like this will make you look crazy and martyr in front of your friends. You will also look so desperate especially when you can't find the right reason to defend yourself. This type of love will also measure your patience and determination in such a way that you always but to give up but you can't. It's very crazy to think that I'm in such situation right now. I'm still thinking and going over those advices my brother and friends gave me. And sometimes, they all make sense to the point that I started accepting their point and giving up my inordinate notions. And the most painful thing here is that when your own friends tell you to quit instead of motivating you. They may say they just care but what hurts the most is that they don't understand you. Or maybe you're just bein foolish of the impossible idea that he'll love you back. Crazy, isn't it?

I suggest, you think of this very carefully. Don't just think twice or thrice but think in a million times. You won't know the end of this but you surely have the choice of how to end it. It's either you give up and move on or you will stick and suffer the consequences. Anyhow, you think.


2. How does it feel to be torn?

--There will also be times that you'll get torn by two people. And believe me, it's a very very very crazy time to think. It's like as if your world will go up side down, mooning over which to choose. This guy or this guy. Helpless.

But what I advice you to do is that forget the both of them and move on with your life. It's not worth thinking anyway. And you'll still find more of them. Focus on your studies and have a new hobby. Busy yourself with anything interesting just to forget them. Crazy indeed!


3. He loves you..You like him..Does that jive?

--A crazy situation! He loves you so much but you just like him. How is that possible? Of course it is possible. It's just that both of you weren't in one path. He was on this path and you were on that other path. He took the love path and you took the like path. Then how will you meet? Toinks!

In this situation, better talk to him seriously and say that you only like him. In that way, he won't misunderstood any of your action which will make your relationship better. Agree?


4. Just mutual understanding...

--This is one of the craziest situation ever! You both think you're in love but with no formal agreement. You meet each other, talk to each other, and even wink and blush. Oh no! But you can't be sure if what he's showing you is real or just a playful act. After all, you have no commitment or any formal agreement. You have no right of each other's business even though you have this mutual understanding. But it's just mutual. You share this common things you have and enjoy each other's company. In other words, friends with benefit...

Hmm..What I say is that just go on..But don't let yourself fall into the pit or you might end up in tears. Just go on with the flow but be sure to be within your boundary. And don't forget to watch out!


5. First love never dies...

--It's quite true especially when you come along with this situation. A first love will always be your first. Unforgettable. And can leave a deep scar of memory in you. Your first love will really stay in you. Because it was the first time you fell in love, the first time you cry and the first time you felt the stinging taste of love.

But behold! Don't let your first love stop you from loving again. You still have the second love, the third love and so on. Also, the true love is the most important one. Because it'll be the one. But not necessarily the last. Crazy of me! Haha.



[Sadly, I experienced all of these. Pretty weird for me because I never had a boyfriend but I experienced things that are more than a girl in a relationship should experience. I was even muttering to my classmate (Jessa), that my high school life is incomplete because I never had a boyfriend. But when she heard my love stories, she even exclaimed that mine was more than complete. Whoah!

Honestly, I'm still proud of being a member of the NO BOYFRIEND SINCE BIRTH SOCIETY. (wink!) And I'm very determined to keep it that way. To be single till the day I get married. Of course, to the man I that I will love in the future. Hopefully there's someone out there for me. But I don't fret. I still have many things to think about now.]


Hahaha..I wrote something longer today! An achievementt for me! I have overcome my laziness! =)

STUPIDITY

Issh!!..How can I be so stupid?!
My brother's right. I'm so stupid.
Still the careless stupid girl of 4 years ago.

Ughh! I hate this! How can I even fool myself?!

I'm really a loser when it comes to situation like this. Good at counseling other people but poor when counseling ones self. I hate it! Issh!

But when can I do? What's done is done. I need to keep up with it. Or shall I burst out? Here I go again. Careless stupid girl!

All I have to do is wait. Yeah. That's it. Be patient. Time will do everything. And believe in fate. It will be fate.

Pray also.

Sad

2 of the most loved persons in my life hurt me this month.

It hurts a lot.

I tried to cry but no tears would come.

Maybe my tears dried up a long time ago due to multiple pains.

Maybe I'm used to getting hurt.

It's okay.

It will all get better in time.

I hope so.

=((

Torn

I really don't know what I'm feeling right now. I might have been writing this in the diary but due to sever laziness, I'm doing it in this blog.

Well, what is my problem? Yeah. What's really my problem? Arggh! This TORN THING!!! I'm TORN. But I'm not exactly sure. Eeesshhh..

Arggghh..I don't like to mention this.

Regret

Lying here all alone in my bed
My instinct immediately started.
Thinking of those days I was with you
Going over it through and through.

I never thought I was that stupid
Thinking that I was hit by the arrow of Cupid.
I have loved you and gave everything you need
But you just caused this heart of mine to bleed.

We were fine from the very start
And thought that we will never be apart.
But something came up and you went away.
Suddent it had been, you left without a say.

My heart is now shattered and broken
And it will be difficult it put the pieces back again.
Regret, that is what I'm feeling now
And hoping for this pain to subside somehow.

Another day

Hmm...Yesterday, November 30, 2008....I can call it a day!

Me and my former classmates in elementary met and did some hang-out! It was really fun.

A few schoolmates came too.

We had that meeting for the purpose of deciding where should we held or reunion and the date also. We finally decided that we will have it at Ebenezer Beach, on Decemeber 21, 2008.

After the meeting, I took some pics of them and can be found in friendster.



Then after the meeting, me and some close friends went to the mall to have some fun. Along with me were Faiza, Elaine-jay, Radzmin, Bob and Jayson. We went to WOF (World of Fun) and decided to sing. Hmm...Jayson was a great singer!I enjoyed it alot though I was the one who paid for the tokens. Anyway, it's fine.

One thing I realized yesterday, whenever I am with my former classmates in elementary, I should go down low. It's because their behaviour and lifestyle is different from my current classmate which is the Batch 2k9. Whenever I am with my former classmate, I should be hmm..frugal..Coz they are very frugal..

hmm..Anyway, it was a good day~

It was really a "DAY"

November 29, 2008

First thing, we set up this date for us (me and my classmates) to watch the movie "Twilight". Then when we were at the mall already, Kathreena decided to cancel it since we were already late for the 2nd showing. And we blame the guys for the tardiness.

It did upset me but a sudden hope came when someone suggested that we can watch the third show at 5:30pm. Some classmates doubt it since the end of that third showing will be around 7:30 pm and that's pretty late for them. But in the end, we pursued our desire.

The movie was good. But not satisfying. I wonder why. Hmm.. Maybe because I was expecting much from it since it is one of the most anticipated and most-awaited movie.

Anyways, as we took our way in going home, some street girl was pulling the plastic I was carrying. She was asking for it or maybe if we can give even 2php to her. I thought of it as a very impolite pursuit. She was very demanding. And most of all, she was touching us. Not that I think of them as dirty, but it's very unlikely to feel some stranger's hand in your arms. Then because of the girl's pursuasion, I called out to Zain to ask some help in getting rid of that girl. But it seems that he went away and looking scared too. I was flabbergasted by his cowardice. He really is a coward! No denying. Good thing, Jash was there. It was an unexpected thing for someone like him whom I consider as a GAY. He protected us by hindering the path of the girl saying "NO MONEY". He also put his arm around me for protection. I really appreciated and admired his act. Though, I hadn't thanked him formally, but deep inside, I'm very grateful.

On my way home, I rode a van. About 200 meters from the parking lot, the van suddenly stopped. I wasn't aware why it stopped but the passengers around me started screaming and making their way out of it.I thought there was some kind of checkpoint or some raid or ambush. Then I started to panick also. Then I got up and made my way out also and while doing this, I saw some smoke coming out of the driver's seat. Then many thoughts provoked me. What if it was a bomb? I was scared at that moment. Really scared. I was even asking myself if that was my last moment. I was even asking Allah if my life will end at that moment. TERRIFYING.

When we were out of the vehicle, the driver said that it was just smoke coming out due to some grounded battery. Then he urged us to ride again but many passengers won't ride because of fear. But made my way back because I really need to get home. It was around 8pm already.

Now, I finally reached home. And there's no place like home. The safest place.

Hate

One of traits I hate in myself is being LAZY!!!

I hate it! So much!

I don't know why but this LAZINESS hinders me in almost everything. Just like in writing my thoughts, I really love to write everything down. But when time comes and this LAZINESS attacks me..then you already know the result.

sigh..

How can I cast this negative attitude? Arrrgghhh...I'm starting to dislike myself...

I miss him so much!

Miss you
Everyday and every night, this feeling I'd fight
Try as I might but I wont win, I surrender, I'd die
You are winning here alright
Every morning when the sun would shine on me
Id flash a smile but deep inside
I feel so sad and lonely
I need you here and now
I miss you
Its crazy to pretend that I don't think of you
The more this feeling just seems to grow and grow
I miss you
Oh how much longer can I hold on to
Maybe you can come and tell me that you miss me too
Miss you
All I want is for this love to last forever
You walked away, never came back, oh I tried to recover
I can't bear it boy alright
When I hear a song that we had used to share
Ill try as I might to hide the tears, and when the pain is over
Ill wish that you are near
I miss you
Its crazy to pretend that I don't think of you
The more this feeling just seems to grow and grow
I miss you
Oh how much longer can I hold on to
Maybe you can come and tell me that you miss me too
Miss you


(A song by MYMP which I love to sing whenever I miss him! You know who you are)

"UNCOMFORTABLE"

The last few days was a disaster! There were many things that happened to us in our class. Not only in our class but deep within our close bonds.

Lately, my classmates were teasing me. It was not a childish thing but something which pierce through my heart. Well, I'm not the kind who get affected easily but those words went deep down my veins. I don't know why. But, it made me think of something else.

I really don't know what I should tell in this thing. I just feel like typing what I want to say. Though, expressing what I feel right now is better when I talk than typing. I don't know whom to talk about this. I have my bestfriends but I can't talk to them about this coz they might misunderstand my point and might take sides also. 

Some things are just meant to be like this. Maybe this was already written in my book of fate. I don't know.

Anyways, I feel terribly sad coz some of my classmates have a great misunderstanding because of this research this. I hate to see them like that. Especially when their Moms are involved. It breaks my heart alot. And they are all my close friends. Though I want to take side, but I can't. Coz I don't like to hurt any of them.

Arrgghhhhh...

I'm so damn tired!

             

The Global Financial Crisis

The global financial crisis has really started to show its effects in the middle of this year. Around the world, stock markets have fallen, large financial institutions have collapsed or been bought out, and governments and even the wealthiest nations have had to come up with rescue packages to bail out their financial systems. Because of these effects, not just the wealthy will suffer, but potentially everyone. 

 Due to these happenings in the West, countries in Asia are increasingly worried. For the developing world, the rise in the cost of food, high fuel prices, and the soaring commodity prices are having a compounding effect.  

 According to some articles, perhaps ironically, African countries will not be affected from the crisis, at least not initially. This is because of Africa’s generally weak integration with the rest of the global economic system. The wealthier ones, who do have some exposure to the rest of the world, however, may face some problems. 

 As for the Latin America, much of its trade depends with United States. As a result, Latin America will also feel the effect of US financial crisis and a slower growth in Latin America is expected.

Many Asian countries, including Philippines, have seen their stock markets suffer and currency values going down. In addition, there is increased foreign investment from West in Asia. Asian products and services are also global, and a slowdown in wealthy countries means increased chances of a slowdown in Asia and the risk of job losses.

  Since Philippines is also attached to US, then it is expected that the financial meltdown will have a great impact in the Philippine economy. Current increases in the prices of oil and food products worsened by the adverse impact of the US meltdown will likely increase the number of poor several times in the coming years. Due to the problems in the West, several OFW’s need to go back to the country to look for job again, becoming jobless. Also, because most investors are from the West, there’ll be lesser investments or maybe decrease that will cause some people to be jobless; thus, there’ll be higher rate of unemployment. In the end, the rich will be blown off while the poor will be the poorest.
 

"Thunder"

Today is a winding road that's taking me to places that I didn't want to go
Whoa (whoa, whoa, whoa)
Today in the blink of an eye I'm holding on to something and I do not know why
I tried

I tried to read between the lines
I tried to look in your eyes
I want a simple explanation
For what I'm feeling inside
I gotta find a way out
Maybe there's a way out

Your voice was the soundtrack of my summer
Do you know you're unlike any other?
You'll always be my thunder, and I said
Your eyes are the brightest of all the colors
I don't wanna ever love another
You'll always be my thunder
So bring on the rain
And bring on the thunder

Today is a winding road
Tell me where to start and tell me something I don't know
Whoa (whoa, whoa, whoa)
Today I'm on my own
I can't move a muscle and I can't pick up the phone
I don't know (I don't know, I don't know, I don't know)

And now I'm itching for the tall grass
And longing for the breeze
I need to step outside
Just to see if I can breathe
I gotta find a way out
Maybe there's a way out

Your voice was the soundtrack of my summer
Do you know you're unlike any other?
You'll always be my thunder, and I said
Your eyes are the brightest of all the colors
I don't wanna ever love another
You'll always be my thunder
So bring on the rain

Yeah I'm walking on a tightrope
I'm wrapped up in vines
I think we'll make it out
But you just gotta give me time
Strike me down with lightning
Let me feel you in my veins
I wanna let you know how much I feel your pain

Today is a winding road that's taking me to places that I didn't want to go
Whoa

Your voice was the soundtrack of my summer
Do you know you're unlike any other?
You'll always be my thunder, and I said
Your eyes are the brightest of all the colors
I don't wanna ever love another
You'll always be my thunder
And bring on the thunder, and I said
Your voice was the soundtrack of my summer
Do you know you're unlike any other?
You'll always be my thunder
So bring on the rain
Oh baby bring on the pain
And listen to the thunder

This is an alternative song by the international band Boys Like Girls. I really love the message of this song!!! This is for you!